Biogen

Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy

Biogen$204K — $281K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech market access, trade & distribution, channel strategy, or related roles.
  • Demonstrated experience leading distribution strategy and/or trade operations across multiple products.
  • Strong understanding of U.S. pharmaceutical distribution networks, including wholesale and specialty pharmacy.
  • Working knowledge of pharmacy and medical benefit models, including buy-and-bill.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.
  • Experience supporting product launches and lifecycle management across a portfolio.

Responsibilities

  • Own and evolve U.S. distribution strategy across the Biogen portfolio.
  • Design channel models that support pharmacy and medical benefit pathways.
  • Partner with Market Access Strategy, Pricing, and Brand teams to embed distribution strategy into planning.
  • Assess external market dynamics and translate insights into distribution strategies.
  • Lead the Trade Operations team responsible for distribution execution across partners.
  • Ensure operational readiness across launches and channel changes.
  • Establish performance management across trade partners.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • Minimum of 15 days of paid vacation plus additional end-of-year time off
  • Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year
  • Participation in Employee Resource Groups
Full Job Description
About This Role

The Director, Trade & Distribution Strategy is accountable for overseeing and advancing Biogen's end-to-end U.S. distribution strategy across the entire Biogen portfolio, while leading the Trade Operations team responsible for execution. This role owns distribution strategy and operational leadership for specialty, rare, and high-touch therapies across both pharmacy and medical benefit models, ensuring compliant, scalable, and patient-centric access.

This leader will balance enterprise strategy with hands-on operational leadership, shaping distribution models for pipeline and launches while strengthening day-to-day trade execution across marketed products.

What You'll Do

Enterprise Distribution Strategy
  • Own and evolve U.S. distribution strategy across the full Biogen portfolio, spanning specialty, rare, and complex therapies.
  • Design channel models that support pharmacy and medical benefit pathways, including specialty pharmacy, specialty distribution, buy-and-bill, and site-of-care considerations.
  • Partner with Market Access Strategy, Pricing, Payer Marketing, and Brand teams to embed distribution strategy into launch and lifecycle planning.
  • Assess external market, policy, and channel dynamics and translate insights into forward-looking distribution strategies.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on channel risk, sustainability, and scalability.

Trade Operations Leadership
  • Lead and develop the Trade Operations team responsible for distribution execution across wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies.
  • Ensure operational readiness across launches, label expansions, and channel changes.
  • Establish clear governance, operating models, and performance management across trade partners.
  • Drive continuous improvement across trade processes, controls, data, and analytics.

Cross-Functional & External Engagement
  • Act as the primary distribution and trade partner to Legal, Compliance, Finance, Supply Chain, Patient Services, Field Access, and Commercial Operations.
  • Lead strategic relationships with key distribution partners and oversee contract strategy in partnership with Legal and Finance.
  • Support escalation management and resolution of complex distribution or access issues.

People Leadership
  • Build, coach, and retain a high-performing team.
  • Develop future leaders with strong enterprise thinking, judgment, and collaboration skills.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and operational excellence.

Who You Are
You are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of pharmaceutical distribution networks and a knack for operational leadership. Your ability to navigate complex market dynamics and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority sets you apart. You thrive in fast-paced environments and are adept at managing relationships with key partners and stakeholders.

Required Skills
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech market access, trade & distribution, channel strategy, or related commercial roles.
  • Demonstrated experience leading distribution strategy and/or trade operations across multiple products.
  • Strong understanding of U.S. pharmaceutical distribution networks, including wholesale, specialty distribution, and specialty pharmacy.
  • Working knowledge of pharmacy and medical benefit models, including buy-and-bill and high-touch specialty pathways.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.
  • Experience supporting product launches and lifecycle management across a portfolio.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience with rare, specialty, and/or complex therapeutic areas
  • Familiarity with evolving policy and regulatory considerations impacting distribution
  • Strong analytical, communication, and executive presence skills


Job Level: Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $204,000.00-$281,000.00

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
  • Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
  • 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
  • Employee Resource Groups participation


About Biogen

Biogen is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of innovative therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Biogen is developing a pipeline of possible medicines in neurology, neuropsychiatry, specialized immunology, and rare illness, and the company is laser-focused on its mission of helping humanity through science and building a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

Biogen Careers

Join Biogen, a leader in biotechnology, and be part of a team that is dedicated to pioneering neurological and neurodegenerative diseases research. At Biogen, our mission is to lead the way in science and medicine, and we offer job opportunities that challenge and reward your professional growth. Work You’ll Do At Biogen, you will contribute to groundbreaking projects that help improve the lives of millions. Our commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry provides a dynamic environment for both seasoned professionals and those at the beginning of their career. With a variety of job opportunities ranging from research and development to marketing and sales, Biogen is where your skills will help shape the future of healthcare. Join our diverse team and embrace the culture of excellence and collaboration that Biogen is known for. Here, every position contributes to our mission, driving us forward with shared purpose and vision. Biogen’s Employment Philosophy We believe in the power of our people and invest in their future. The growth and development of our team members are paramount, which is why we offer robust benefits, diversity training, and career advancement opportunities. At Biogen, leadership and innovation go hand in hand, fostering an environment where you can thrive. Internship and Early Career Programs Kickstart your career with a Biogen internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build a professional network that will serve you throughout your career. Our internships provide a platform to develop your skills and test your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you for full-time employment in the biotechnology field. Hiring Process Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are passionate about making a difference. From the initial application and resume submission to the interview and final selection, each step is an opportunity to showcase your unique talents and potential. At Biogen, we look for individuals who are curious, creative, and eager to tackle new challenges. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various positions available at Biogen and find the one that best matches your skills and interests. We are constantly looking for individuals who are driven to explore, innovate, and lead. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. Biogen is not just a company; it’s a community where you can grow, connect, and contribute to exciting, meaningful work. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the rewarding opportunities waiting for you at Biogen and be part of our mission to lead in the biotechnology industry. Join Biogen today and be part of a team that is dedicated to redefining the boundaries of science and medicine. Your career at Biogen is not just a job—it’s a pathway to personal and professional fulfillment.
Learn more about Biogen
Size
9,610 employees
Market Cap
$39.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4 billion
Founded
1978
5 Year Trend
-0.8%
Revenue
$13.4 billion
NASDAQ

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